Alaska’s minimum wage will increase to $13 per hour on July 1, the result of Ballot Measure 1, which was approved by voters in the November 2024 general election. This change marks the second shift in the state’s wage minimum this year, setting Alaska on a path toward a $15 minimum wage by 2027.
On Jan. 1, the state minimum wage rose from $11.73 to $11.91 per hour, as part of its annual inflation adjustment. But the new law passed through Ballot Measure 1 sets a fixed schedule for further increases:
- $13 per hour starting July 1, 2025
- $14 per hour starting July 1, 2026
- $15 per hour starting July 1, 2027
Beginning Jan. 1, 2028, the minimum wage will again be adjusted annually for inflation. It will not be adjusted downward during times of deflation.
Under Alaska law, the minimum wage applies to all hours worked in a pay period, regardless of how employees are paid — whether hourly, by piece rate, commission, or otherwise. Employers must ensure that total compensation for all hours worked equals at least the applicable minimum wage unless a specific legal exemption applies.
The law also affects certain salaried employees who are exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements under Alaska Statute 23.10.055(b), such as bona fide executive, administrative, or professional employees. These workers must be paid a salary equal to at least twice the minimum wage for the first 40 hours worked per week. As a result, on July 1, the minimum weekly salary for exempt employees will increase from $952.80 to $1,040.00.
Sorry, the correct headline is every single product or service in Alaska cost more starting July 1.
Good point. – sd
Parents should start training their children – beyond what little might be derived from public education in Alaska – in a work ethic, responsibility, and a variety of chores that ‘Americans won’t do.’ I pity future graduates who will face the lack of entry level jobs, which will result from automation that is cheaper than these artificial increases in minimum wage.
Entry level jobs are not intended to provide ‘living wages.’ They’re intended to pay one as they learn how to work in the real world. So sad 😞